SSK . . .K2tog  Decreasing Differences

Customers often ask, "Does it matter if I really SSK, or can I just K2tog?"  The short answer is, "Yes!"  Each stitch changes the direction if the lean of the stitch.  Think of the toe of socks...  When you look down, the right side of the toe leans from right to left.  The left side of the toe leans from left to right.  To lean the stitch on the right side of the toe, the decrease has to be an SSK (slip, slip, knit) in order for the stitch to lean against the toes.  As you knit across and need to decrease on the left side of the foot, a K2tog is needed.  Look at the photo above.  The green stitch marker is above the SSK and the purple is above the K2tog.  Needles point to specifically leaning stitches.  As you knit hat patterns or lace work, pay close attention to the directions.  Your stitch definition with thank you!